Where should I go out to Eat or Drink in Kansas City?!
Welcome to my “food and drink suggestions in Kansas City” list.
My goal with this list is to help curious (or indecisive) minds with their next meal. Whether you’re visiting from states away or you are a local who just wants to try something new, I bet there’s an option for you.
Restaurants and bars will be listed with the area of town they are in and likely a short description. I will use sub-headings to the best of my abilities to sort things into categories. Due to this you may see duplicates.
This post will always be a work-in-progress!
I want to continue updating this post as I discover more of the amazing food and beverage options around the Kansas City area. I hope you found this post helpful! Please reach out if you have any comments or suggestions.
Looking for something special?
For Big Groups
Parlor, Crossroads, KCMO - I haven’t been in ages but this was KC’s original food hall! Located in a very cool area in the KC Crossroads.
Brewery Emperial, Crossroads, KCMO - One of my favorite places ever! THE FOOD IS DIVINE. Large beer garden in the KC Crossroads. You want to go on a nice day where you can sit outside at the picnic tables.
Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center “Beer Hall”, KCMO - Our most popular brewery and an amazing place to hang out. Snack foods, gift shop, tours.
J. Rieger & Co., KCMO - Huuuuge distillery with multiple levels and areas to hang out. Can’t speak much on the food but I believe I have gotten light bites there, maybe a pretzel or similar.
Strang Hall, Overland Park, Kansas - Food hall with a wide array of options and a big bar. Tons of indoor and outdoor seating.
Taqueria Mexico #4 on the Boulevard, KCK - Giant margaritas, buttery cheese dip, and all of the basics. Enough seating for all your friends.
On the Fancy Side
La Bodega, Southwest Boulevard, KCMO - Spanish Tapas. Gorgeous interior and patio.
Lazia, Crossroads, KCMO - Inside Crossroads Hotel. Upscale Italian in an urban/modern space.
Noka, Martini Corner, KCMO - Oh my gosh. Stunning place. “Contemporary Japanese farmhouse concept”. Some of the most delicious and creative food. The Nightmarket Chicken Wings were incredible.
Corvino, Crossroads, KCMO - Very upscale and incredible restaurant. Tasting menu.
Steph’s Personal Favorites
Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar, Crossroads, KCMO - Hand roll sushi bar with limited seating. Get a reservation. Everything tastes so fresh and high quality. Go casually or for a special occasion (we celebrated our wedding anniversary there!).
Conroy’s, Westwood, Kansas - A comfortable and lively Irish pub. The food is out of this world - you must try one of the pies: cottage, fisherman or chicken pot pie. Not super friendly for vegetarians, but they can always just have a Guinness!
The Hi-Dive Lounge, 39th Street, KCMO - Dive bar with great food. Get the wings or chicken strips! You must order a “mystery beer” from the beer vending machine. Small patio that’s enjoyable if there aren’t too many smokers.
Westport Cafe, Westport, KCMO - Modern French food and good cocktails nuzzled into a cozy spot in Westport.
Types of Food
BBQ (always gotta talk bbq in kc)
Joe’s KC, KCK - Famous for a reason! The original is a gas station on 47th.
Q39, 39th Street, KCMO - Newer, trendy, ultra delicious. Onion straws are life. Go to the one on 39th street.
Mexican
El Camino Real, 7th Street, KCK - Best authentic street tacos ever. Al Pastor!
El Patron (on Southwest Boulevard) - The strongest margaritas in the city and one of many great Mexican restaurants on Southwest Boulevard (Ponak’s, Margarita’s, Taqueria Mexico #1 or #4, etc).
KC Taco Company, River Market, KCMO
Dessert
Betty Rae’s Ice cream (multiple locations)
Pizza
Pizza Tascio, multiple locations - I hear great things from many people, but I have never been.
Italian
Garozzo’s Downtown, Columbus Park, KCMO - Delicious Italian. You will get fat. They catered my wedding.
Bakeries + Brunch
Bakeries:
McLain’s
Billie’s Grocery
Messenger Coffee + Ibis Bakery
Banksia
Meshuggah Bagels
Brunch:
Room 39
McLain’s
Billie’s Grocery
BLVD Tavern
The Farmhouse
Drinks (and sometimes bites)
Dive Bars
Varsity Club, River Market, KCMO - The coolest spot ever. Great vibes, creative cocktails and a burger truck. Read my full article here.
Hillsiders, Strawberry Hill, KCK
Breit’s Stein, Strawberry Hill, KCK
The Peanut or Hi-Dive Lounge - both are dive bars with legendary food. WINGS! Hi Dive has a beer vending machine.
Local Breweries and Distilleries
Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center “Beer Hall”, KCMO - Our most popular brewery and an amazing place to hang out. Snack foods, gift shop, tours.
J. Rieger & Co., KCMO - Huuuuge distillery with multiple levels and areas to hang out. Can’t speak much on the food but I believe I have gotten light bites there, maybe a pretzel or similar.
There are lots of cute, small breweries around town, my favorite is Stockyards in the west bottoms. (Then.. servaes, rock creek, casual animal, double shift, etc).
Classy Joints
Tom’s Town Distilling - cocktail bar/distillery in the heart of the cool Crossroads neighborhood.
Percheron - rooftop bar at Crossroads Hotel. The BEST view of the city. Could be busy, but def worth it.
Additional Activities
Farmer’s Market in the River Market
Numerous great disc golf courses around the metro
Shawnee Mission Park - rent a kayak for the lake, walk, disc golf, etc
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
Boulevard Brewing tour
Shop on the Country Club Plaza
Bar hop in the Crossroads
Royals / Chiefs / Sporting / Current
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